 |
 |
 |
||
| Movement | In-house swiss automatic | Swiss quartz | Automatic | Automatic |
| Case Size | 40mm | 40mm | 36mm | 39mm |
| Lug to Lug | 49mm | 47mm | 44mm | 48mm |
| Band | stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m | 50m-150m | 100m | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
|
|
|
|
| Get It |
Buy Now at Bob’s Watches
|
Buy Now at Sandoz |
Buy Now at Lorier
|
Buy Now at AliExpress
|
Rolex Air-King
|
|
| Movement | In-house swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 40mm |
| Lug to Lug | 49mm |
| Band | stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
|
| Get It |
Buy Now at Bob’s Watches
|
Sandoz Casuel 81425
|
|
| Movement | Swiss quartz |
| Case Size | 40mm |
| Lug to Lug | 47mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 50m-150m |
| Key Benefits |
|
| Get It | Buy Now at Sandoz |
Lorier Falcon Series II
|
|
| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 36mm |
| Lug to Lug | 44mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
|
| Get It |
Buy Now at Lorier
|
Phylida Pilot Watch
|
|
| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 39mm |
| Lug to Lug | 48mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
|
| Get It |
Buy Now at AliExpress
|
Of the Rolex flight watches, the GMT Master II may be the jetsetter’s timepiece, but the Air-King is the hero adventurer’s watch.
It was made in honor of WWII soldiers, after all.
It’s for the rescue helicopter pilots and the swashbuckling explorers.
This is likely why the Air-King has a less flashy look than its cosmopolitan cousin. Still, the practical and legible dial is striking in its own way.
And while this watch is one of the most affordable Rolexes, you’ll never find it for less than a couple grand.
So, we’ve rounded up the six best Rolex Air King homages, as well as three alternatives. These are the best available, so read on to find out which is the one for you.
How Did I Come Up With My List?
I’ve come across several Air-King references as a long-time auction house professional. Using my familiarity with the design language that connects all of these versions, I edited this list down from countless nominees.
While there are a lot of Air-King homages out there, its simple design often results in lazily-made lookalikes (homage makers are likely saving their energy for more complex watches).
On top of spending hours on forums and review sites, I deliberated with colleagues, watch collectors, and watch specialists in my field. We made sure none of the many bad homages made it past round one.
6 Best Rolex Air-King Homages
Image Source: Sandoz
A lot of forum-goers consider the Steel Pilot one of the best Sandoz Air-King homages. However, their Casuel 81425 is more visually faithful to Air-King specific details, and it’s meticulously designed and premiumly built.
Like many recognizable Air-King references, the Casual sports generously-sized indices at the cardinal directions, and a smooth, beautifully polished bezel. These features are complemented by Sandoz-specific qualities, like the diamond-patterned textured dial (the 35 colorway has a blue sunray if that’s more your speed), and an H-link bracelet, which is also exceedingly comfortable.
These added complexities are subtle enough that they don’t take away from the Air-King vibe, but give it a touch of ornateness.
And as mentioned, this practical timepiece flaunts exceptional materials, from the strong and perfectly finished stainless steel to the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
What I Like
- The indices with the smooth bezel are inspired by the Air-King, though thoughtful differences allow this timepiece to stand as an excellent model on its own.
- The high-end construction offers both aesthetic appeal, including immaculate finishing throughout, and durability in its steel and sapphire build.
- This watch comes in three colorways: An all-silver with a white dial, a blue sunray dial with gold indices, and a white dial with gold accents.
What I Don’t Like
- While the no-nonsense, respectably accurate quartz movement puts this watch in the same ranks as the Victorinoxes of the world, it might leave you wanting for an automatic if you’re a mechanical buff.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Sandoz is one of the most ID’d and upvoted Air-King homages on the watch forum world. Positive reviewers love how the Casuel encapsulates the practicality of the Air-King, even going for an accurate quartz over a mid-tier mechanical.
Again, some prefer the Steel Pilot over the Casuel. Reviewers who disagree, including myself, feel that the Steel Pilot looks like a generic flieger watch, though in the best way possible. Meanwhile, the Casuel has Air-King-specific visual cues.
The Verdict
Within its more-than-reasonable price point, the Sandoz Casuel 81425 has the same straightforward but high-end look and build of an Air-King. It’s a Swiss-made timepiece with impeccable finishing.
It’s slightly more detailed than the Air-King, giving it a unique quality from its inspiration. On the function side, the quartz movement is reliable and accurate, and the exquisite H-bracelet wears comfortably and securely.
Within its more-than-reasonable price point, the Sandoz Casuel 81425 has the same straightforward but high-end look and build of an Air-King. It’s a Swiss-made timepiece with impeccable finishing.
It’s slightly more detailed than the Air-King, giving it a unique quality from its inspiration. On the function side, the quartz movement is reliable and accurate, and the exquisite H-bracelet wears comfortably and securely.
Image Source: Lorier
The Series II Falcon from Lorier is clean yet decorative, with an almost mid-century design look. Like the Air-King, the bezel is thin and anadored, the silhouette is classic, though the indices are just circles and triangles.
The arrow hands, hour markers, and outerdial are accented in gold, while the background is exquisitely detailed. It’s a gilt-forward timepiece that magically maintains its understatedness.
It’s made out of 316L marine-grade stainless steel, has a domed hesalite crystal that provides a nostalgic blur to the dial edges, and a fully-articulated solid-linked bracelet that’s super easy to size.
What I Like
- The design is akin to vintage Air-Kings, but the gilt dial and gold accents level up the premium factor on the visual front.
- The Miyota automatic movement has a useful 28,800 BPH and thin build which allows for the comfortable low-profile case.
- Equipped with Swiss Superluminova BGW9, the lumed dial is extra brilliant even after short bouts of light exposure.
What I Don’t Like
- While the domed hesalite crystal offers a fun throwback look appropriate to the style of the watch, it isn’t scratch-resistant, docking points on the durability scale.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love the gilting on the Falcon Series II, earning it an audience of Air-King fans who want a slightly more ornate Air-King, but don’t have it in them to mod a 6k Rolex.
The hesalite crystal is understandably controversial. While some think it’s a thoughtful choice that honors its vintage styling and provides the much-coveted edge blur, others believe a watch at this price point should have a sapphire protector.
The Verdict
If you like the idea of the Air-King, but wish it were just a bit aesthetically fancier, then the Lorier Falcon Series II is for you. The texturing and gilting add shine and complexity, while still honoring the simplicity of classic aviation watches. Also, the thin case suits a wide range of wrist sizes.
If you like the idea of the Air-King, but wish it were just a bit aesthetically fancier, then the Lorier Falcon Series II is for you. The texturing and gilting add shine and complexity, while still honoring the simplicity of classic aviation watches. Also, the thin case suits a wide range of wrist sizes.
Image Source: AliExpress
Phylida’s Pilot is an almost one-to-one remake of the Air-King all the way down to the green lollipop second hand. It’s just at a slightly smaller case size.
You can choose from a Miyota movement, which comes at a premium, or a DG2813 from China. Both are reliable enough, especially for their price point, but Miyota movements are easier to service since their parts are more common.
This watch flaunts a few premium features for its price point, including an almost mirror-polished bezel, 100 meters of water resistance, and a sapphire crystal. Make sure to check with your seller though to confirm whether what they have is sapphire or a sapphire-coated mineral.
What I Like
- The dial and bezel are close copies of the Air-King, including the Mercedes hands and mixed minute and hour indices.
- You can choose between a reasonably reliable Chinese automatic movement, or a robust and easily-serviced Miyota automatic.
- The 100 meters of water resistance and sapphire crystal are impressive for the sub-80 price point.
What I Don’t Like
- The lume on the hands are weak, and virtually non-existent on the indices.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Phylida is a popular go-to for simpler Rolex homages like the Air-King because of how close to the template they are, and because of the attractive polishing. Some mention how this makes the bezel prone to fingerprints though.
While most agree that the Miyota is the more easily serviceable movement, some reviewers prefer the DG2813 movement because it’s quieter.
The Verdict
The Phylida Pilot’s remarkable level of shine and well-applied dial make it an effective low-cost Air-King homage. Even though the lume isn’t great, this watch functions well for the most part, especially for its cost.
The Phylida Pilot’s remarkable level of shine and well-applied dial make it an effective low-cost Air-King homage. Even though the lume isn’t great, this watch functions well for the most part, especially for its cost.
Image Source: AliExpress
This Bliger Automatic is another “legal replica” of an homage, almost indistinguishable from the Air-King, except for the branding. What makes this model special is its several options for customization.
Starting with the dial, you can choose between a green second hand, which comes with a green outline around the glass, or a bold red second hand. You can opt for a dial with the Bliger logo or without—just keep in mind the logoless version also forgoes adding the “Automatic” appellate.
And while you can always change the watch bracelet, Bliger lets you choose between a sporty oyster or a dressy Jubilee style.
Out of the four automatic movements available, the cheapest is the Mingzhu which is roughly finished, a bit noisy, but reliable enough for its price.
The Miyota movement is just a few dollars more, and the NH35A automatic, a hacking Seiko movement, just a few more on top of the Miyota.
The most expensive is the PT5000 movement, a 28,800 vph automatic with a smooth second sweep.
What I Like
- You can choose between four different movements, each with distinct qualities and at different price points.
- The option to go with or without the logo allows you to go with a more or less minimalist dial, depending on your preferences.
- Most Bliger sellers honor the 75-day buyer protection policy and the free shipping offer, despite coming all the way from China.
What I Don’t Like
- Though Bliger reports 30 meters of water resistance, which isn’t very much at all, this watch isn’t actually the least bit water resistant.
- The bracelets are rattly.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
A popular choice in the Reddit community, reviewers love the different customization options with this Bliger watch, though some mention wishing you can get a brandless version that still says “Automatic” on the dial.
There are some complaints about the rattly bracelet and its imperfect finishing. I think the finishing is fine for the price, and the bracelet is easily replaceable.
The Verdict
If you want an aesthetically accurate homage, but wish you could add some small tweaks, the Bliger Automatic offers modifications inside and out. Go for different colored second hands, logo or no logo, and choose from four different movements.
If you want an aesthetically accurate homage, but wish you could add some small tweaks, the Bliger Automatic offers modifications inside and out. Go for different colored second hands, logo or no logo, and choose from four different movements.
The Citizen NJ0100 is a robust take on the Air-King. However, its cushion-like case behind the round bezel not only gives it a unique aesthetic, but also ensures it wears comfortably.
If you disagree with our top pick based solely on the fact that the Casuel is a quartz watch, then this automatic Citizen NJ0100 is a great alternative.
As a workhorse brand, Citizen watches aren’t super collectible, but they’re extra reliable, and always offer topnotch value. The NJ0100’s style comes from the fact it’s practical and function-forward, just like the Air-King’s style.
As a workhorse, bang-for-buck brand, it’s unsurprising that Citizen offers a justifiable Air-King homage. The NJ0100 is likewise nondescript but attractive, with a reliable build and movement.
What I Like
- Like the Air-King, its face is simple and legibility-focused, defined only by large number indices.
- The oval shape of the case provides a distinct aesthetic that’s still subtle enough to fit in with the watch’s overall straightforward look.
- It’s powered by a robust, workhorse automatic movement.
What I Don’t Like
- The lack of hacking makes operating the movement less convenient.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Even small-wristed reviewers report that the 44mm case wears comfortably on their wrists. Despite the large size, the oval case and unimposing lugs sit perfectly on wrists below the seven inch mark. It’s just a matter of sizing your bracelet accordingly.
As a workhorse, bang-for-buck brand, it’s unsurprising that Citizen offers a justifiable Air-King homage. The NJ0100 is likewise nondescript but attractive, with a reliable build and movement.
For those of you who want the original vintage Air-King, but don’t want to spend $3,000 to $6,000 on it, this Alpha Air-King embodies its old-school sporty elegance.
It’s technically a ladies watch, since few men’s timepieces (even homages to vintage references) offer the delicate sizing of watches from the ‘40s and ‘50s. That being the case, the Alpha Air-King’s silhouette is closer to that of the first Rolex Air-Kings than most of the lookalikes on the market.
The batons are thicker and the dial is sunray, giving it a touch of modern premiumness. It also runs on a Chinese automatic movement.
What I Like
- The design is a modern take on the original Air-Kings from the ‘40s.
- Unlike so many homage makers in China, Alpha offers a one year manufacturing warranty, adding security with purchase.
- Though small and unimposing, the crown is surprisingly crisp and easy to use.
What I Don’t Like
- Even after hours of charging, Alpha lumes often last only for a few minutes.
- The bracelet is rattly and feels hollow.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers are impressed with the Alpha Air-King’s price-to-quality ratio, and are grateful for the warranty.
Would-be buyers, like yourself, may have heard that Seagull automatics are especially noisy if unserviced. Few reviews mention poor performance though, so it’s likely Alpha is servicing the movements before putting them into a watch. As always, keep in close contact with your seller.
The Verdict
From the baton hands to the small case size, the Alpha Air-King looks and feels like a vintage Rolex Air-King. Slight updates, like the sunray dial, bring the look into the 21st century without compromising the fundamentally vintage aesthetic.
From the baton hands to the small case size, the Alpha Air-King looks and feels like a vintage Rolex Air-King. Slight updates, like the sunray dial, bring the look into the 21st century without compromising the fundamentally vintage aesthetic.
3 Quality Rolex Air-King Alternatives
While Air-King homages are affordable look-alikes, Air-King alternatives are often equal in price and quality to the Air-King. At the very least, they come from premium brands, competitors usually, and are much closer in price and quality.
If you’re considering an Air-King, you’d do well to check out what else is out there that’s of a similar caliber.
Like the Air-King, the vintage-inspired 79910 version of the Tudor Heritage Rangers is super legible, and sports a bold yet understated style.
And like the Air-King, the stars of the dial are the red second hand and large Arabic numbers at each cardinal direction. Since this is Tudor, this watch boasts all of the high-end basics, including the sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement.
Image Source: IWC
A modern update on their classic Big Pilot, the IWC Mark VIII Heritage is your classic flieger timepiece.
The all-Arabic hour markers stand proudly behind the stark black dial and the hands are sword-shaped, serving up a timelessly cool look. This versatile, everyday watch runs on a 25-jewel automatic with a 42-hour power reserve.
Image Source: EBay
As with any Breitling watch, the A17314 version of the Navitimer 8 takes the pilot watch template and decorates it with brand-specific features.
The B logo, flawless railroad outer track, and the coin-edged dial make this watch truly stand out despite its overall classic and simple look. And similar to all modern Rolexes, the Navitimer’s automatic movement is Chronometer-certified.
Which Rolex Air-King Homage Should You Get?
Thanks to its premium construction, and a design that’s enough like the Air-King and enough of its own style, the Sandoz Casuel is our top pick. If you’re looking for an upgrade though, the Lorier Falcon boasts a beautiful gilt dial.
Within its more-than-reasonable price point, the Sandoz Casuel 81425 has the same straightforward but high-end look and build of an Air-King. It’s a Swiss-made timepiece with impeccable finishing.
It’s slightly more detailed than the Air-King, giving it a unique quality from its inspiration. On the function side, the quartz movement is reliable and accurate, and the exquisite H-bracelet wears comfortably and securely.
The Bliger and Phylida are both excellent budget picks, as is the vintage-inspired Alpha. Meanwhile, the automatic Citizen has the same no-nonsense vibe as the Air-King.
The Phylida Pilot’s remarkable level of shine and well-applied dial make it an effective low-cost Air-King homage. Even though the lume isn’t great, this watch functions well for the most part, especially for its cost.
While there aren’t a lot of great Rolex Air-King homages to this classic pilot watch, these six check several boxes. When it comes to choosing an homage, it’s all about which of these boxes are most important to you.
FAQs
What is the most basic Rolex?
While some think it’s the Air-King, the Oyster Perpetual is the most unadorned and simply-built Rolex. The most basic OP is also slightly more affordable.
Is the Rolex Air-King worth buying?
As one of the lowest priced Rolexes, the Air-King is a fine purchase if you love the look. While it won’t go up dramatically in investment value the way other Rolex watches will, it’s a simple and versatile timepiece that’s well-built and an instant heirloom.
Ever since I received an Omega Seamaster for my 16th birthday, I fell in love with watches. Professionally, this led me to work for New York and LA’s leading auction houses. Personally, it led to a life as a collector, my Seamaster and my Explorer II being my favorite timepieces.
Recommended Reading
6 Best Rolex Oyster Perpetual Homages & Alternatives in 2023
Don’t pull the trigger on a Rolex Oyster Perpetual until you’ve seen these impressive homages and alternatives. You just might get more bang for your buck.
6 Best Rolex Submariner Homages & Alternatives in 2023
Want the iconic look of the Submariner without the hefty price tag? Check out our picks of the best Rolex Submariner homages and alternatives.
6 Best Rolex Datejust Homages & Alternatives in 2023
Looking for a watch with the versatile sophistication of the Rolex Datejust? Check out our picks for its best homages and alternatives.
6 Best Rolex Day-Date Homages & Alternatives in 2023
Don’t pull the trigger on a Rolex Day-Date without looking at our excellent homages and alternatives. You just might save a few thousand dollars.
6 Best Rolex Daytona Homages & Alternatives in 2023
Before you commit to the Rolex Daytona, check out these outstanding homages and alternatives. You just might prefer an homage’s design—or price.